Seoul to host first Christian–Confucian colloquium

Vatican News

Christian and Confucian religious leaders, scholars, and representatives are set to gather at Sogang University in Seoul on August 4-5 for the first Christian–Confucian Colloquium.

The event is organized by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, Sogang University, and the Korean Confucian Academy.

The colloquium will be held under the theme: “New Heaven, New Earth and Datong (Great Harmony, Great Unity): Christian–Confucian Dialogue for Building an Ideal Society.”

According to a communique released on Saturday, participants will explore how Christianity and Confucianism can jointly inspire responses to some of the most urgent challenges facing society today.

The press release noted that the two traditions are rooted in distinct theological and philosophical foundations.

However, it added, the two religious traditions share a concern for human dignity, moral integrity, responsible leadership, and the common good.

Discussions will focus particularly on social fragmentation, moral uncertainty, environmental degradation, and threats to peace.

The press release said the colloquium is expected to wrap up with a call for continued Christian–Confucian cooperation in the fields of education, ethical formation, and peacebuilding.

Organizers hope the meeting will mark the beginning of a lasting tradition of dialogue between followers of Christianity and Confucianism.